Which Resident Evil Movie Should You Watch First?
With a new installment hitting theaters, we rank the three cinematic 'Resident Evil' origin stories.
The Resident Evil franchise has spawned eight theatrical films, more than any other video game adaptation. With the latest iteration, directed by Zach Cregger, premiering this weekend, it's a opportune time to revisit the series' origins and determine the best starting point for newcomers. This analysis focuses on the three distinct "part one" films that launched cinematic versions of the survival horror game series: 2002's "Resident Evil," 2021's "Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City," and the 2026 "Resident Evil."
Resident Evil (2002)
Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the first "Resident Evil" film arrived when video game adaptations were far from a sure bet. While not deeply faithful to the game's lore, the movie features a compelling premise: Alice (Milla Jovovich) awakens with amnesia in a sprawling mansion, only to discover she's part of a security team investigating a breach in an underground Umbrella Corporation facility. The film introduces a rampant zombie-making virus, forcing Alice and her team to fight for survival. Standout elements include Jovovich's performance and a memorable laser-filled hallway sequence. Though Anderson, who wrote all six films in the series and directed four, later explored more action-sci-fi-horror elements in subsequent installments, the original remains a strong entry for its era.
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)
Following the conclusion of Anderson's original series, "Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City" aimed for greater fidelity to the games. Directed by Johannes Roberts, the film follows Claire Redfield (Kaya Scodelario) as she returns to her troubled hometown of Raccoon City during a zombie outbreak. Her brother Chris (Robbie Amell) and fellow STARS member Jill Valentine (Hannah John-Kamen) are also caught in the escalating crisis. The movie adopts a more atmospheric, John Carpenter-esque tone, focusing on siege scenarios within a desolate town. Despite its critical reception and commercial underperformance, "Welcome to Raccoon City" offers a solid, albeit less action-packed, adaptation that captures some of the game's inherent dread.
Resident Evil (2026)
Zach Cregger's "Resident Evil" (2026) takes a different approach, focusing on the world and atmosphere of the games without relying on established characters or storylines. The film centers on a courier (Austin Abrams) delivering to Raccoon City Hospital, whose night devolves into chaos with the emergence of a zombie outbreak. Cregger successfully replicates the unsettling intensity of the game, emphasizing the protagonist's vulnerability and escalating mishaps. Abrams's performance grounds the narrative, blending humor with a desperate attempt to complete his task amidst disaster. This iteration is lauded for its confident filmmaking and its ability to translate the feeling of playing a game for the first time.
The Verdict
The 2026 "Resident Evil" is considered the most accomplished of the three "part one" films, making it a strong recommendation for horror fans, especially for a theatrical viewing. For those opting to stream, both the 2002 and 2021 versions offer enjoyable experiences with their distinct takes on the beloved franchise.